Flight/Origin-Destination: AC032 PEK-YYZ
Date: March 30, 2011
Cabin: J
Status: Super Elite
Pre departure
Was check in quick and efficient? Pretty good, first time using PEK as a hub, kind of strange as you go through a single agent responsible for a lot of airlines, who hand writes your boarding pass... but since I was the only one for AC it worked out well. Baggage checked through from origin just fine.
Did you use priority security (if eligible) and if so, was it quick and efficient? Priority security in YYZ for my next connection tried to tell me to go up to the US connection security. "Sir do you mind." I said "For business class?" Yes. There were only about six people in front. I don't know why they were pushing people to go to US connection security instead of Canadian connection security for Canadians. This was the priority line, the main line had about 12 people waiting. There was one aisle closed (LIKE ALWAYS). They were also letting non-J and non-AMEX platinum holders into the priority line. Someone needs a butt kick.
Did you use the Maple Leaf lounge and if so, any feedback in regards to service, food and drinks? -- Yes, I'm in the MLL now. All good. MLL comes in at the upper middle considering worldwide. Can't hold a torch to Thai First Class or Emirates business class, or even some ANA business class lounges, but beats most business class lounges.
Was priority boarding offered (if applicable to your status) and efficient? -- Yes, I priority boarded in PEK very easily. The setup there is better than YYZ and YUL. The two lines are clearly marked on either side of the desk, with corrals that angle away from the desk, which minimizes spillover and encourages people to head to the right spot. Amazing that it is more efficient to board in China than in Canada.
If there was a delay, did the gate agent provide timely updates? -- No delay in boarding.
Onboard - J cabin:
Were the crew professional & well groomed? -- Yes. Good crew.
If there was a delay, were you provided with timely updates? -- Slight delay but this is always the case at PEK, no problem.
Was the IFE activated on the ground? -- N/A
Was a pre-departure beverage offered on the ground? -- Yes.
Did crew offer to hang your jacket? -- Yes.
Were newspapers & menus distributed and meal orders taken (Please specify when meal orders were taken - on the ground or in the air)? -- Meal orders on the ground as well as newspapers, menu.
Did crew offer a hot towel prior to the meal service? -- Yes.
Approximately how long after take off did it take for the first meal service to be completed? (From takeoff to all items collected) -- Maybe an hour and a half to two hours. But, several course meal. It was done with the right timing and everything appropriate. Also food was quite excellent.
How was the quality of all the meals? -- Excellent.
Did the cabin crew continiously top up the beverage of your choice throughout the flight? -- Yes.
Post departure
If you have checked baggage, did it arrive within reasonable period of time? -- Surprisingly fast at YYZ.
Overall experience/any other comments[/QUOTE]
I would love to have fewer announcements. Since everything comes out in triplicate it's annoying. Also the earphones were really amplified so every time someone broke in it was GARRAGGHG rip the earphones off. Put them back on just in time for loud chinese in my ears GARRAGGGH rip them off.
On this trip I flew Thai first and business, and Emirates first. I have to say that the seats on the AC Executive First are much harder and boardlike than any other international first or business I've experienced. I like the adjustability but the comfort is not there compared to these others, especially in flat position and the rounded bottoms of the coffins are uncomfortable on the feet of some taller passengers. Not expecting you to go ripping out all the seats now but feedback for future decisions.